February 24
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-02-24
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Calendar
St. George News and Events
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (661) 325-8694
- Fax:
- (661)325-8694
- Email:
- secretary@ourparish.us
- Street Address:
- 401 Truxtun Avenue
- Bakersfield, CA 93301
- Mailing Address:
- 401 Truxtun Avenue
- Bakersfield, CA 93301
Contact Information
Services Schedule
Sundays:
Orthros - 9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy - 10:00 a.m.
Weekdays:
Evening Vespers - 6:00 p.m.
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2019-02-17
- Publish Date:
- 2019-02-10
- Publish Date:
- 2019-02-03
- Publish Date:
- 2019-01-20
- Publish Date:
- 2019-01-13
- Publish Date:
- 2019-01-06
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Tone
When the angelic powers appeared before Your grave, the soldiers guarding it took on the look of death, and standing at Your sepulcher was Mary, there seeking Your pure and spotless Body. Despoiling Hades’ armor, You were not stained by his touch. You came forth to meet the Virgin, bestowing eternal life. And You are risen from the dead; glory to you, O Lord!
Apolytikion for 1st and 2nd Finding of the Head of the Forerunner in the Fourth Tone
The Forerunner's head did arise from the earth like the dawn, thus shedding the rays of healing and incorruption down onto the faithful ones; high above he has gathered all the hosts of the angels, while below have been summoned all of mankind together that with one voice they may send up glory to Christ who is God.
Apolytikion for the Church in the First Tone
As a liberator of prisoners, and as a guardian of the poor, a doctor of the sick, a defender of kings. Trophy bearer, O Great Martyr George. Intercede to Christ our God, and save our souls.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone
In my foolish wretched mess, I fled your Fatherly glory, and I wasted sinfully all of the riches you gave me; unto you, merciful Father, I cry out saying: I have sinned, just as the Prodigal told you; and then may I be received as a hired servant, who comes repentant to you.
Saints and Feasts
February 24
Boswell, Abbot of Melrose Abbey
February 24
First & Second Finding of the Venerable Head of John the Baptist
The first finding came to pass during the middle years of the fourth century, through a revelation of the holy Forerunner to two monks, who came to Jerusalem to worship our Saviour's Tomb. One of them took the venerable head in a clay jar to Emesa in Syria. After his death it went from the hands of one person to another, until it came into the possession of a certain priest-monk named Eustathius, an Arian. Because he ascribed to his own false belief the miracles wrought through the relic of the holy Baptist, he was driven from the cave in which he dwelt, and by dispensation forsook the holy head, which was again made known through a revelation of Saint John, and was found in a water jar, about the year 430, in the days of the Emperor Theodosius the Younger, when Uranius was Bishop of Emesa.
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Grave Tone. Psalm 63.11,1.
The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord.
Verse: Oh God, hear my cry.
The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 4:6-15.
Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
Gospel Reading
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
The Reading is from Luke 15:11-32
The Lord said this parable: "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his belly with the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"
Wisdom of the Fathers
He who truly wishes to believe in God must be lifted above himself, his mind, and even the whole world. For this reason, the value of faith is considered higher than the value of man. It is even higher than the value of the whole world. Therefore, the reward of faith should be higher than all of man's possessions along with the glories of this world. The reward of faith is God.
Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior Way, p. 74, 20th century
What is it that I love when I love you? Not the beauty of a body or the comeliness of time. Nor the luster of the light pleasing to the eyes, nor the sweet melodies of all manner of songs, nor the fragrance of flowers, ointments and spices, not manna and honey, nor limbs welcome to the embrace of the flesh - I do not love these when I love my God. And yet there is a kind of light, a kind of voice, a kind of fragrance, a kind of foods, a kind of embrace, when I love my God, who is the light, voice, fragrance, food, embrace of the inner man, where there shines into the soul that which no place can contain, and there sounds forth that which time cannot end, where there is fragrance which no breeze disperses, taste which eating does not make less, and a clinging together which fulfillment does not terminate. It is this that I love when I love my God.
Confessions 10.6 in The Confessions of St. Augustine, p. 244, 5th century
Calendar
-
St. George Calendar
February 17 to March 3, 2019
Sunday, February 17Triodion
Sunday, February 249:00AM Orthros
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
11:00AM Religious Education
12:00PM Coffee Hour
12:30PM Youth Group Meeting
1:00PM Book Club Meeting
Tuesday, February 2610:00AM Divine Liturgy
6:00PM Vespers
6:30PM Inquirer Class
Wednesday, February 276:00PM Vespers
Thursday, February 286:00PM Vespers
7:00PM Parish Council Meeting
Friday, March 16:00PM Paraklisis
Saturday, March 210:00AM Divine Liturgy
6:00PM Vespers
Sunday, March 39:00AM Orthros
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
11:00AM Religious Education
12:00PM Homeless Initiative Meeting
12:00PM Coffee Hour
12:30PM Youth Group Meeting
St. George News and Events
Special Events Happening Today:
Engagement
Text Notifications
We are in the process of establishing a text notification service for our parish. This service will only be used to notify parishioners of any changes to service times or to provide information on events or occurences that affect the entire parish. We see this as being used infrequently but feel that we need to an effective way to communicate important information quickly.
In the upcoming weeks we will send a test message to parishioners for whom we have a mobile phone number. If you would like to be part of this test (or are not sure if we have your mobile number), please send an email to Sahar (stgeosecretary@gmail.com).
House Blessings
Father will be blessings homes through the end of February. Please contact Sahar or Presbytera to schedule.
Stewardships Envelopes
Each family is asked to sign off on a box of envelopes. Please see Julie in the bookstore.
Men’s Group of St. George Church
Next meeting is March 14th from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. following Vespers. Attendees are invited to attend Vespers prior to the meeting starting at 6:00 pm. At this meeting we will begin our journey through the "Lionheart" series.
Couples Ministry
Friday, March 8th, from 7:00 -8:15 p.m. at the home of Tom & Elaine Dorlis, 8813 Bridlewood Lane 93311. We will discuss fasting using the Trench episode "Death by Fasting". Visit our Couples Ministry resource page for more information and a link to the video. Also, we ask that all couples a small appetizer to share and one or two of their favorite Lenten recipes. We will combine the recipes into a "cookbook" which we will send to meeting attendees and add to our Lenten Resource site.
Items on the Bar in the Hall
We are asking all parishioners--young and old--to help clean the hall clutter. Many items are frequently left in the bar area, kitchen and back room. Beginning in January, any clothing, books, decorations, office supplies, etc. will be saved for two weeks. After that time all remaining items will be gathered and donated to local charities.
Please check the hall every Sunday to claim your family's items and take them home.
Thank you for helping keep our hall neat and clean.
Parish Council News
The Parish Council has implemented safety and security measures for the hall. The front hall doors will remain closed during church services. Please see a Parish Council member for access to the hall and/or restrooms during services. On Sundays, the front doors will be opened after Holy Communion.
Thank you for your understanding as we want to keep our facilities secure.
Also note: Please contact a Parish Council member or usher if anyone is loitering in the hall during services.
Thank you.
Father Joseph's Hours
Father Joseph will be in the office Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00 to 3:00. Wednesday and Friday available at the church by appointment. Confessions appointments can be made with Sahar or Presbytera.
Appointments with Father Joseph
If you need to meet with Father please make appointments during the week. Sunday should be left for Father to have time to visit with parishioners during coffee hour. Please give him the time to do so unless it is an emergency. Thank you for your understanding.
Women’s Prayer Group
There will be a stand in the Narthex for you to leave your prayer request to be added to the list our prayer list. We need women’s prayer group partners. Please see or call Irene Sinopole at 832-1871.
Next meeting is February 28th, at 7 p.m.
Prosphora Schedule
2/24 Mary Mekhel, 3/3 Nahla Demestihas, 3/10 Olympia Hackleman, 3/17 Elaine Dorlis, 3/24 Sahar Ayoub, 3/31 Mary Mekhel. Thank you.Please make arrangements with Sahar or Despina to bring the offering Saturday night either to the church or Father's home. We are looking for more people to make the blessed bread. Please approach Father Joseph if interested.Thank you.
Family Sunday. No Sunday school. Anyone in grades 5th and up who is interested in having their children participate in the monthly skits please see Zain or Hana Ayoub..
Youth Group/GOYA Questions please call Michael or Gabriella Ryan at 219-3421.
HOPE/JOY
Next meeting to be announced.
Book Club
Our parish book club is currently reading Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica. Our next gathering is Sunday, February 24th during coffee hour. We will be discussing Part Two, chapters 5 to 9. All are welcome to join! For more info call or text Monica (Cassiana) 337-0566 or email mejiamoe@gmail.com
Bookstore
The church bookstore is open Sundays during coffee hour. For more info, special ordering, or questions please call or text Julie Pierucci (661) 342-2407.
Inquirers Class
Every Tuesday at 7:10 p.m. there will be an inquirers class for information regarding the Orthodox faith. We meet at the hall side door on U Street. Class is approximately 40 to 45 minutes. We are currently going through the “Journey of Faith” program by Fr. Barnabas. For more information please call Michael Ryan 661-747-1603.
Coffee Hour
Open
Church Beautification
Church beautification/Capital Improvements Fund collections as of February 15th are $6,850.00. Once more funds are collected we can begin Phase II.
Charity
Homeless Initiative Meeting Recap and Reboot for Lent - RESCHEDULED!
Sorry for the change of date but please join us on Sunday, March 3rd following Divine Liturgy to recap our November event with a pros and cons analysis as well as planning a future date for a Spring Initiative. Hope you can join us!
Philoptochos Announcements
Dues are being collected!
We will be collecting dues now through the end of February for 2019. Last year we had 57 members - this year we would love 60. So far we are at 42. Join us as $40 helps our charities!
Anyone (male or female or non-orthodox) who is 18 years of age or older may join. We encourage our High School Seniors to join as well as a way of giving back to others.
LOCAL WINTER GIVING PROJECT - PLEASE BRING DONATIONS!
Our local giving project for this winter is for the Kern Autism Society. Please bring your items in and put them in the bins in the hall.
We will be collecting the following 12 different items (per their request) now until the end of February:
- Small drinking water bottles
- Non-toxic paints
- Non-toxic markers
- Construction Paper
- Craft Supplies of all sorts
- Play-Doh-non toxic
- LEGO kits in boxes new-all ages are appreciated
- Puzzles (large size pieces)
- Coloring books
- Toys-sensory learning type-all ages
- Children's picture books
- Printer Paper 8.5 X 11
Outreach
Evangelism and Outreach
Questions please call Michael Ryan at 747-1603.
Legacy
Scrip Cards
Scrip gift cards are now accessible online. You choose the card (cards) you would like and St. George Church receives a percentage of each sale. If you choose e-cards you will receive them same day in your email. If you choose gift cards, we will receive a notice and the order will be delivered to the church. Best to select e-cards so no shipping fee. Use this link and code when purchasing online. www.shopwithscrip.com, Code:42A1521E58345.
Honor your loved ones birthday and or anniversary by making a contribution to the Endowment Fund in their name. Make checks payable to St. George Church and write Endowment Fund on the memo line. Distributions from the fund will benefit the youth and maintenance needs of the Parish. For more information contact a Parish Council Member.
Thank you.
Please Note:
About Communion
If you are a visitor and planning to take Holy Communion, please inform one of our ushers in the Narthex ahead of time. During Communion, parents with infants, and Sunday School Teachers should be first in line to receive Communion. All Christians Orthodox and Non-Orthodox are invited to come up to receive Blessed Bread (Antidoron) at the end of the service. However, present Church guidelines allow that only baptized and confirmed Eastern Orthodox Christians (who have properly prepared) may approach to receive Holy Communion. Thank you.
Dear Parishioners,
Sundays should be set aside for quality time with God, our Church and Family. This is true for the Priest, Parish Secretary and Parish Council. Please let us try to address church business and make appointments during the week during office hours, and not wait until Sunday to address these matters. For the generous providers of Coffee Hour, please arrange all meal preparation so that everyone is attending Divine Liturgy. The hall will always be open at least one hour before Divine Liturgy begins, as well as the evening before from 6:30 to 7:30.
Hall Reservation System
To reserve the hall for any church functions or activities please communicate with Annette or Sahar if you will be using the hall anytime to be placed on the calendar. This includes groups that meet on a regular basis or for any event. Thank you for your cooperation.
Anyone using the hall during the week, please make sure you turn off all lights, coffee maker and the hall is left clean.
Welcome New Parish Members
Prayers/Thanksgiving
Glory to God for His Bountiful Blessings
Please add to your daily prayers for:
Catechumens: Walter (George), Daniel (Porphyrios), Joshua (Michael).
Holy Cross Seminarian Anthony Cornett and family (Anna, Miriam, and Zoë).
Our brothers & sisters unable to attend:
Marika Psihoundas, Mary Valos, Zoe Spanos & Beverly Balasis.
Healing: Marika, Victor, Helen K., Irene, Mary, Mary, Serephima, and others in our parish.
Those who are traveling
Orthodox-Edward, Nicholas, Elaine, Mary C., Sophia,Virginia, Petros, Panagi, Elle, Eva L., Nicholetta Y., Dan S., Monica, Yorgos K, Giorgos, Anna,Angela, Antonia, Stelios, Petros, Anne, Anna, Leonid, Mariyka, Archalia,Natalie, Eva,Eleni K.,Efstratios, Ourania, Christopher, Alice, Suha,Abla, Jennifer, Tom, Gabriela,Ion,Danny,Nadia, Niko, Musa Daoud, Vasiliki, Theodore, Achilles, Vasiliki, Elizabeth, Labrini, Bert & Louise Moosios,Olympia,Margarita, Seraphim, Mary, Tika,Maria Sporaa, Athina, Helen, Gerry Collis, Nektarios,Marika,Bessie Mattly, Noah A., Nick A.,Nick K., Kyriaki, Fred, Hannah, Irene Sinopole, Helen Protopapas, Candess Strategos,Gene, Kathy, Sofia, Clemy (Clementina), Jane, and Matthew.
Non-Orthodox -Angelica, David, Nancy, Bud Lung,Julie, Pamela Y., Debbie, Emmitt, Donna,Steve, Richard,Donald, Christina, Eva, Dominic,Gaby Garcia,Romona, Elea, Graysen Astumian, Marie,Michelle, Irma, Julie, Greg, Allyson, Margaret, Valerie, Martha Rogers, Joseph, Stephen, Elizabeth,Ellen, Ling, Richard, Christine & David, Debby.
Financials Budgeted Actual
|
Stewardship |
$4,750/week |
$1,812.25 |
|
Candles & Tray |
$250/week |
$111.00 |
Anniversaries
- 3/4 Naguib & Mary Mekhel
Birthdays
- 2/24 Helen Protopapas
- 2/24 Will Shackleford
- 3/02 Demetrios Strategos
- 3/04 Yohannes Mesfin
- 3/07 Andrea Strategos
- 3/09 Nektarios Chaffee
- 3/09 George Demestihas
- 3/09 Katerina Copeland
- 3/12 Kathy Exarchoulakos
- 3/13 Ray Southerd
- 3/17 Evangelos Demestihas
- 3/20 Michael Ryan
- 3/21 Pamela Liascos
- 3/23 Panagiotis Chaffee
- 3/25 Natalie Becerra
- 3/28 Mary Andrews
Please note: All bulletin announcements must be received each week by 3:00 pm Tuesday to be included in the Sunday bulletin for that week.